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Rosalie

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROH-zuh-lee /ˈroʊ.zə.li/High

Meaning: Little rose — French diminutive of Rose, from Latin <em>rosa</em> (rose flower)High

In 30 seconds: A French diminutive of Rose, Rosalie literally means 'little rose' and carries the same timeless botanical beauty in a longer, more lyrical package. It is enjoying a warm 21st-century revival.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin
MeaningLittle rose — French diminutive of Rose, from Latin <em>rosa</em> (rose flower)
Peak year1938
Total births (all-time)≈ 71,171

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193818802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rosalie is a French diminutive of Rose, from Latin rosa, the rose flower. The name has been in use in France and Italy since the medieval period, boosted by the cult of Saint Rosalia. It spread to the English-speaking world in the 19th century and was particularly popular in France, Belgium, and French-speaking North America.

Rosalie was popular in the United States in the early 20th century, declined mid-century, and has been strongly reviving since the 2000s. It entered the U.S. top 300 girls' names in the 2010s. The Twilight Saga's character Rosalie Hale (portrayed by Nikki Reed) brought the name renewed attention in popular culture.

Did you know? Saint Rosalia of Palermo (c. 1130–c. 1166) is the patron saint of Palermo, Sicily. When her relics were discovered in 1624 and a plague that had devastated the city subsequently ended, she was credited with the miracle. The Festino di Santa Rosalia remains one of the largest celebrations in Italy.

Variations

RosaliaRosalee

Nicknames

RosaRosieRoseRoz

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Rosalia of Palermo (c. 1130–c. 1166)
    Patron saint of Palermo, Sicily, credited with ending a 17th-century plague.

If you like Rosalie…

Josephine— French romantic classic with the same multi-syllable vintage elegance
Genevieve— four-syllable French classic sharing Rosalie's revival momentum
Vivienne— French name with the same romantic, poetic quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rosalie mean?

Rosalie is a French diminutive of Rose, from Latin <em>rosa</em>, meaning 'little rose' or simply 'rose.'

How do you pronounce Rosalie?

Rosalie is pronounced ROH-zuh-lee /ˈroʊ.zə.li/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Rosalie a boy or girl name?

Rosalie is a girls' name.

How popular is Rosalie?

Rosalie has entered the U.S. top 300 girls' names in a strong 21st-century revival and continues to climb.